Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair (2004)

 

Nice to have a reason to revisit these films as a single feature, with deleted scenes added or improved. I originally rated them an “A”, and I won’t argue with myself over it, other than to say that nothing tops seeing them for the first time.

Battle Royal (Batoru Rowaiaru) (2000)

I could see this Japanese import being remade in the US. Not sure if that's on the horizon. Hopefully they'll polish up the script, but keep the senseless violence. The movie's premise didn't make a lot of sense. Maybe you have to be Japanese to fully appreciate it. Come to think of it, The Hunger Games has similar themes.

Rating: C

Kill Bill: Vol 1 & 2 (2003) (2004)

I choose to review these as a single film, since they are meant to be viewed together. Fountains of blood. Those 3 words best describe Tarantino's throwback revenge movie. There's the usual amazing cast of characters, each with their own witty lines and quirky personalities.

It's a blast getting to watch one incredible fight scene after another, the kind you usually wait an entire movie to see -- here they are splashed out in front of you with just enough time to catch your breath in between.

The second half has a bit more depth. The training sequence was beautiful cinema. The "eye snatch" is something to look for. If you're in the mood for some good action and violence, and who isn't, this will certainly quench your thirst. But be warned, fountains of blood. Can't wait for the 3rd volume in 2014.

Rating: A